England Stays Focused Despite Altitude, Atmosphere Before Mexico World Cup Tie
England Prepares for World Cup Showdown Against Mexico
By Lori Ewing
KANSAS CITY, Missouri, July 2 (Reuters) - England are not shying away from the formidable task awaiting them at the Azteca Stadium, saying they welcome the challenges posed by altitude, a hostile atmosphere and the high stakes of a World Cup last-16 showdown against hosts Mexico.
With fears that Mexico supporters could seek to disrupt England's preparations, the fact the hosts are conditioned to play at a lung-busting 2,200 metres above sea level and reports that kick-off could be brought forward to noon, the match is shaping up to be one of the toughest of the tournament.
England, however, insist they would not have it any other way.
England's Mindset and Motivation
"The build-up and everything around it, the different obstacles we have to face, I think just adds to that kind of adrenaline, that kind of excitement that you have as a team, and the prospects of getting to a quarter-final of a World Cup, and what that means to us as players, as well," attacking midfielder Morgan Rogers told reporters on Friday before the team departed for Mexico.
"With that extra bit on top, I think it's a great occasion.
"Of course, we know the difficulties, how well they're playing, the atmosphere, and all of that," he added. "But we know that if we're for our best, we can beat pretty much anyone."
Mexico's Performance and the Challenge Ahead
Mexico stormed into the knockout phase unbeaten and without conceding a goal, ending a 40-year wait for a World Cup knockout victory when they beat Ecuador in the round of 32.
Handling Adversity: Altitude, Atmosphere, and Scheduling
England's Experience in Different Environments
'PLAYED IN DIFFERENT ENVIRONMENTS'
Striker Marcus Rashford brushed aside suggestions that the altitude and atmosphere could prove decisive.
"It's a game of football. We've all been playing football since we were kids and we've played in different environments, different atmospheres, some easier than others, some terrible to play in, and disgusting," he said.
"It's up to us to try and find a way to come out on top, and that's what the focus is... We have to work together and try to bring as close to our best as we can, and we'll be fine."
Potential Changes to Kickoff Time
Both Rogers and Rashford also dismissed concerns over a possible change in kickoff time.
FIFA is considering moving the start time forward as severe weather, including a risk of flooding in Mexico City, threatens to disrupt the schedule, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.
"We'll be ready regardless of the time, earlier probably the better, because you want to play it," Rogers said. "I think if we were thinking about what's going to happen, and you just want to play the game."
Managing Off-Field Distractions
England have also been preparing for the possibility of off-field distractions after Ecuador complained to FIFA that players were kept awake before their round-of-32 match by a gathering of fans outside their hotel.
"I'm not concerned about it at the moment, but I won't be happy if it wakes me up," said Rogers, who joked he might have to invest in earplugs. "We've heard about it, and we'll be ready, best prepared as we can to be ready and get enough sleep and recovery for the game."
Anticipation for the Azteca Stadium Atmosphere
The prospect of facing Mexico at a packed Azteca has only added to the anticipation.
"I'm expecting an unbelievable atmosphere... We're going to enjoy the occasion, enjoy what it brings, the adversity, everything going against us, and use that to our advantage," Rogers said.
(Reporting by Lori Ewing, additional reporting by Gabriel Araujo;Editing by Christian Radnedge)
